Zinnia’s dill bread a delight

Get (foam) rolling at Pure Movement

By Jennifer Dodds Fox for Fort Wayne Magazine

Wednesday, March 1st, 2017

FOAM ROLLING AT PURE MOVEMENTI started dabbling in foam rolling for fitness and after the techniques helped me address some major pain in my neck and shoulders, I’ve been foam rolling on a daily basis at home and in classes around town. Foam rolling techniques help clear up “congestion” in the fascia, which is the thin wrap that covers the body’s muscular structure. The practice of foam rolling can “help your body achieve a day-to-day pain-free lifestyle, increase range of motion, remove cellulite and make muscles move more efficiently,” said Tressa Muessling, fitness expert and owner of Pure Movement Pilates Studio. Foam rolling is a great companion to your preferred workout, but it does require instruction to get properly rolling at home. You’re in luck, because Pure Movement Pilates is hosting a foam rolling workshop, a trio of classes, with the first installment happening 5:30-7 p.m. March 16. Each of the three classes in the workshop is $15, but if you sign up for all three, the price is $40 total (the second and third class schedules are TBD). The first class in the series will “teach you how to effectively use the foam roller on all the major muscle and fascia groups in the upper body,” Muessling said. The workshop will include a small guide on each exercise to ensure the techniques are easy for you to continue at home. No need to bring a foam roller to the class, as they’ll be provided during the workshop. And if you fall in love with foam rolling, as I have, rollers will be available for purchase. Pure Movement Pilates Studio is located at 526 W. Jefferson Blvd.; visit www.puremovementstudio.com, call (260) 420-1000 or email info@puremovementstudio.com.

DILL BREAD AT ZINNIA’S BAKEHOUSEI was recently treated to some oh-so-delicious dill bread, baked fresh by Zinnia’s Bakehouse. The light herb flavor, coupled with a soft and airy texture, made my carb-loving self squeal with delight. The bread is lovely when used for avocado toast, the perfect upgrade for regular sandwich making and wonderful in hunks next to a steaming bowl of soup. Zinnia’s is a locally owned bakery chock-full of cakes, cupcakes, macarons, scones, savory quiches, sweet and savory empanadas and fantastic fresh breads, such as the dill bread, focaccia (with vegan options) and challah. While the breads are typically available only on Saturdays (as are their should-be-famous beignets), Zinnia’s accepts special orders for next-day pickup. The bakery can also make any of their cakes or cupcakes gluten-free (advance ordering is required). Zinnia’s opened a second location within the City Exchange shops downtown, which features the same great selection minus the Saturday morning beignets. Zinnia’s Bakehouse is open 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Mon.-Sat. at 1320 E. State Blvd. and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Sat. at 217 W. Wayne St. Call (260) 483-4765 for more information, “like” Zinnia’s Bakehouse on Facebook or follow on Instagram @Zinnias_Bakehouse.

FAMOUS FALAFELThe opening of one of Fort Wayne’s newest restaurants spread like wildfire through my social media feeds. After a quick look through their menu, my husband and I joined a couple of friends, who we dine with quite often, for lunch at Famous Falafel the next day to check out its Mediterranean cuisine. The 100 percent halal menu features dishes such as shawarma (my fave!), kabobs, kafta, fresh hummus, tabbouleh, stuffed grape leaves and wonderful falafel, of course. Salads, sides, smoothies and sweets round out the menu, which also includes items for picky eaters like burgers, chicken wings and fries. A quick word about the baklava: it’s the best I’ve ever had. This small, casual, family-owned resto is a fantastic addition to our local food scene, with great customer service and catering options to boot. Visit Famous Falafel 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs. and 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat. at 5755 Saint Joe Road in the Marketplace of Canterbury. For more information, call (260) 492-8349 and “like” Famous Falafel on Facebook.